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Properties and performance of textiles
Emerging textile technologies: Phase change materials
In the Area of study: Properties and performance of textiles you will develop a critical approach towards the effects of innovations and emerging technologies. These innovations and technological advances occur in the use of textiles to enhance performance, machinery to improve construction or to save time, decorative techniques and finishing techniques. This tutorial focuses on phase change materials (PCMs) a finishing technique.
Outcomes
This material addresses aspects of the following syllabus
outcome:
H3.2 The student develops knowledge and awareness of
emerging textile technologies.
Extract from Stage 6 Textiles and Design Syllabus
© Board of Studies NSW 2007.
Phase change materials (PCMs)
... are waxes that have the unique ability to absorb heat energy and emit heat energy without changing temperature themselves. These waxes include eicosane, octadecane, heptadecane and hexadecane. They all have different freezing and melting points and when combined in a microcapsule will store heat energy and emit heat energy and maintain their temperature range of 30-34 C which is comfortable for the body. (Duvernet, 2003: 9)
PCMs can be spun with acrylic at the polymer stage (Courtaulds) or they can be applied as a coating during finishing. This tutorial focuses on the use of PCMs as a coating.
OUTLAST
OUTLAST Technologies, Inc has re-engineered its coated
fabrics to provide significantly better performance in all
conditions. Using a patented process, OUTLAST's micro
encapsulated Thermocules™ are applied to
fabrics providing a softer hand, increased stretch, more
breathability and air permeability. Independent tests show a
33 per cent reduction in condensation inside phase-change
garments after work and rest cycles. Less sweat means garment
systems stay drier and work better, fewer layers are needed.
Extract from Outlast, viewed 21/3/03, <http://www.outlast.com/presRelease.cfm?id=6>.
Activity 1
Investigate OUTLAST 
Technologies' Thermocules™ and
subsequently Adaptive comfort™. Determine
their impact on fabric performance.
OUTLAST Adaptive comfort™ bedding won Time
Magazine's 2002 Best Invention Award. Click
here to read about the use of this innovation for
bedding.
OUTLAST Technologies is working with a number of companies
to exploit the potential of phase change materials. Boston
Harbour, LLC is a company specilising in high quality leather
and cloth outerwear. Read
here about their collaboration with OUTLAST Technologies
to produce Proshield Smart Apparel.
Activity 2
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Thermocules™ and Adaptive comfort™ on the:
- consumer
- manufacturer
- employee
- environment.
References
Duvernet, L. (2003) Report of Triple T Conference, HEIA News, Vol. 10, No. 1, p. 9.
Technology update/Tutorial extension: Visit this site
http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2007/12/018295.htm for an article about Clothes go Hi Tech.
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